Stationary Manual Exercise Sled

ABSTRACT

A manual non-motorized exercise treadmill with the ability to provide adjustable resistance to perform strength training resistance movements and simulate the movements of an exercise drive sled in a stationary location is described. A treadmill deck of the treadmill is supported by friction-reduction rollers, a front treadmill roller and a rear treadmill roller. The treadmill is operated by the user pushing and/or pulling with the feet of the user via a belt or harness attached to adjustable stationary hand bars. Variable resistance allows for increased or decreased difficulty in achieving the exercise according to the preference and ability of the user. The resistance is configured to be applied to the rollers and/or belt, making it more difficult for the user to manually move the treadmill belt. The adjustable hand bars are configured to allow the user to alter the angle at which he or she performs various exercises. The treadmill belt is configured to oscillate for both concentric and eccentric exercises not provided by conventional treadmills.

CONTINUITY

This application is a non-provisional application of provisional patentapplication No. 62/250,882, filed on Nov. 04, 2015, and to provisionalpatent application No. 62/131,147, filed on Mar. 10, 2015, and priorityis claimed thereto.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to instruments for physical training andexercise. More specifically, the present invention relates to a manualtreadmill that allows the user to perform nearly any strength trainingexercises including the simulation of an exercise sled in a stationarylocation.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A variety of treadmill devices are widely used as a means of physicalactivity or therapy in confined areas, typically indoors. Thesetreadmills generally are used to simulate walking or running to improvecardiovascular health and fitness. Treadmills allow users to walk or runin a stationary location by the use of a closed looped belt,conventionally rotated around two or more rollers. The belt can bedriven manually by the user, or by a motor. A variety of exercise sledsare now also being widely used by athletes and the general population asa means of improving athletic performance, strength, and endurance.These exercise sleds allow users to push, pull, or drag the apparatus.These devices allow users to increase the amount of resistance at will.To do so, one must manually add weight plates or other objects to theapparatus. However, these exercise devices require great deal of indooror outdoor space to be effectively used. Without adequate space, theworkout quickly becomes tedious, and endurance cannot be exercised dueto constant adjustment and turning of the apparatus within a confinedspace.

Additionally, conventional manual treadmills are equipped with a fronttreadmill roller and a rear treadmill roller, and often employ a surfacewith minimal friction between the rollers, to facilitate the movement ofthe treadmill belt when weight is applied. This can cause the treadmillbelt to become difficult to reverse direction and hinder the ability toperform many resistance exercises. This is due to the amount of frictionbetween the treadmill deck and the treadmill belt underneath the user'sfoot. If there were a multitude of small treadmill rollers positionedbetween the large front and rear treadmill rollers, internal frictioncould be minimized, and the resistance and weight could be more evenlydistributed among the rollers, making it easier for the user to rapidlyreverse the direction of the treadmill during exercise, as well asperform many resistance exercises.

Thus, there is a need for a device that can provide the exercisemaneuvers of a mobile exercise sled, while remaining stationary forcomfortable use indoors. Such a device is preferably equipped with atreadmill, capable of providing variable resistance levels whileremaining mechanically driven. Additionally, such a device is ideallyadjustable in size, and may be used with a variety of ropes andharnesses to achieve a wide assortment of exercises that workout everymuscle group in the body.

Technogym™ offers a product known as a ‘Skill Mill,’ which provides avariety of exercises to the user, including resistance trainingexercises. However, the Skill Mill is not highly adjustable, and is notequipped with adjustable up/down and forward/reverse hand frames.Likewise, the Skill Mill cannot be used by a very large individual. Thisis in contrast to the present invention, which is equipped with anadjustable hand frame, as well as a modular cross bar. The Skill Milldeck is curved, and therefore limits the usable surface area of theexerciser, and reducing the number of resistance exercises that may beperformed. The Skill Mill is also a slat belt treadmill, which increasesproduction costs.

Additionally, Matrix Fitness™ has developed a treadmill capable of usefor a variety of exercises. Unlike the present invention, the treadmillof Matrix Fitness™ is a traditional treadmill deck surface, and is builtat a fixed incline. This surface increases friction and limits theamount of resistance exercises that can be performed. Likewise, thetreadmill available by Matrix Fitness™ cannot easily be used by largerindividuals. The present invention is the first treadmill to allow auser to perform every type of resistance exercise.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention allows a user to accomplish the exercises of asled while remaining in a stationary location. The inventionaccomplishes this by creating a frame of an adjustable hand bar to amanual treadmill with adjustable resistance. The invention also addsuser benefits to both the capabilities of a treadmill and exercise sled.

The present invention is equipped with an adjustable hand bar that addstwo primary benefits to a traditional exercise sled: First, the hand barallows the user to exercise from different angles allowing them toengage different muscles than a traditional sled. Namely, the hand barcan be positioned at any angle defined by the user. Second, it increasessafety for users. A traditional sled can place a taller individual or anindividual with certain physical limitations in a compromising positionand not allow the user to safely and effectively perform the desiredexercise.

The hand frame is constructed of two parallel posts. Both of these postshave parallel adjustments, running along the length of the posts, for ahand bar to be attached perpendicular to. The posts themselves can alsobe used for the user to place their hands on to push. The hand barrunning perpendicularly to both vertical posts, and secured within atleast one hand bar mount, allow the user to place their hands to pushagainst. The hand bar also allows the user to attach a belt, rope, orharness from the hand bar to the user's body. This attaches the user tothe frame allowing them to pull, drag, or run.

The present invention also adds many benefits to the traditionaltreadmill. A traditional treadmill successfully allows the user toalmost perfectly simulate outdoor running or walking in a stationarylocation indoors. Unlike with treadmills designed for walking orrunning, the present invention has the ability to be used with anoscillating motion, with the user sliding up the treadmill via thetreadmill belt suspended over a multitude of treadmillfriction-reduction rollers, stopping, sliding back down the treadmill,and repeating the process.

Running treadmills are great for cardiovascular health/fitness, but donot allow the user to get the benefits of full body resistance workouts.By adding resistance to a belt of a manual treadmill, the user mustactivate and engage muscles to keep the belt moving. Resistance can beadded to the treadmill in several ways. Any type of resistance (direct,magnetic, frictional, air, or any other type of resistance) can beplaced by one skilled in the art to the rollers, flywheel or beltitself, or however one skilled in the art sees fit. This creates theresistance needed to simulate the load of a weighted sled or traditionalweights such as dumbbells. The resistance is adjustable to fit physicalneeds of the user. This allows high performance athletes as well asgeneral population to use the invention. It also allows the user to varythe exercises. It is envisioned that the user can employ a heavyresistance setting to exercise his or her muscle strength and power, oropt for a light resistance workout to exercise his or her speed or toachieve a cardiovascular workout. Similarly, the present invention alsoallows the user to get a full body workout. The present invention allowsthe user the ability to work all muscle groups by varying exercises andtechniques, all while employing a single workout device.

The treadmill deck platform of the present invention is preferablymodified to meet the needs of users of varying sizes. The modificationof a conventional treadmill deck to suit the needs of the presentinvention may be accomplished in two ways. The deck/belt itself can beelongated. This allows users to have a long enough belt to accomplishexercises where a greater range of motion is needed. The second way tomodify a treadmill into a functioning exercise sled is to make the frameadjustable. The present invention comprises two separate frames (namelya hand bar and a running deck) that are conventionally fixed together inadjustable manner. This allows users of different sizes to determine thebest distance between the hand bars and the end of the running deck tosuccessfully and safely complete the chosen exercise.

The present invention is made to be stored easily. The hand frame of thepresent invention can be easily removed, which allows individuals to beable to store the treadmill deck underneath furniture. The presentinvention is also foldable, making it ideal for home use and for easystorage. The running deck of the treadmill is configured to fold andrest vertically between the vertical support posts.

The present invention also has added safety features than a traditionaltreadmill. The present invention has the capacity to stop the beltimmediately once the user disengages the belt without the need for anemergency stopping mechanism. Traditional treadmills typically takeseveral seconds for the moving belt to come to a complete stop. Thecombination of weighted rollers, subtraction of a flywheel and a brakemake the belt be able to come to an instant stop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood with reference to theappended drawing sheets, wherein:

FIG. 1 exhibits two views of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention as seen from the rear, denoting the adjustable vertical posts.

FIG. 2 shows the extendable frame of the present invention, as seen fromthe side.

FIG. 3 displays a close-up view of the treadmill rollers and treadmillbelt of the present invention as seen from the side.

FIG. 4 exhibits a view of the braking system of the present invention asshown from above.

FIG. 5 displays an alternate embodiment of the present invention fromthe side, detailing the variable angle vertical post.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is a strength training and manual sled exercisetreadmill configured to provide a user with a means of achieving avariety of resistance exercises including sled-based exercises whileremaining within a fixed location. As such, the present invention isapplicable for performing a wider variety of exercises than traditionaltreadmills, including sled-based exercises, in addition to simulatingrunning and walking movements. The preferred embodiment of the presentinvention includes a treadmill belt (10), a treadmill assembly (20),treadmill rollers—including a front treadmill roller (30) and a reartreadmill roller (45), friction-reduction rollers (35), a hand bar (40),a conventional harness, and at least one anchor mount (50). Thetreadmill assembly (20) preferably comprises a treadmill deck (60),which provides the flat platform on which the user walks along thetreadmill belt (10). The treadmill belt (10) of the present invention isconfigured to tightly wrap around the front treadmill roller (30) andrear treadmill roller (45), with the friction-reduction rollers (35)disposed between the front treadmill roller (30) and rear treadmillroller (45), as seen in FIG. 3.

The friction-reduction rollers (35) function in tandem with thetreadmill rollers, and help to avoid the conventional friction causedwhen employing solely conventional treadmill rollers. The removal of aportion of the friction of the system of the present invention via thefriction-reduction rollers (35) helps to facilitate the quick change ofdirection of the front treadmill roller (30) and rear treadmill roller(45) during use, as well as the ability to perform resistance exercises.The treadmill deck (60) is preferably supported by feet (80), which arepreferably adjustable vertically, to ensure the treadmill deck (60) ofthe present invention may be easily leveled on slightly uneven surfacesfor use, as well as to easily increase or decrease the incline of thetreadmill deck (10).

Additionally, at least one vertical post (70) is disposed at a first end(100) of the treadmill deck (60), as shown in FIG. 1. The hand bar (40)and the at least one anchor mount (50) are preferably disposed on the atleast one vertical post (70) of the present invention. The at least onevertical post (70) is preferably equipped with at least one hand barmount (90), each instance of the at least one hand bar mount (90) ispreferably disposed equidistantly from proximal iterations of the atleast one hand bar mount (90). The at least one hand bar mount (90) isconfigured to hold the hand bar (40) level horizontally, so as toprovide a sound mounting point for the user during use of the presentinvention for exercise. Alternate embodiments of the present inventionmay be equipped with at least one vertical post (70) that is configuredto pivot the angle at which it contacts the first end (100) of thetreadmill deck (60). Such an alternate embodiment with a variable anglevertical post enables the user to alter both the distance of the atleast one vertical post (70) from the user, as well as the height of theat least one vertical post (70), as shown in FIG. 5.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention preferably employs twoinstances of the at least one vertical post (70), which are oriented atopposing ends of the first end (100) of the treadmill deck (60). The atleast one vertical post (70) are configured to move horizontally, suchthat the distance between the two instances of the at least one verticalpost (90) may be adjusted to the preference of the user. Additionally,it is envisioned that the hand bar (40), at least one hand bar mount(90), and at least one vertical post (70) may be easily removed forstorage. Additionally, the present invention may be configured toposition the at least one vertical post (70), hand bar (40) and at leastone hand bar mount (90) on an alternate mounting point (150) located ata second end of the treadmill deck (60).

Similarly, the distance between the treadmill belt (10) and the hand bar(40) of the present invention may also be adjusted in the preferredembodiment of the present invention. An extension portion (110) isdisposed between the at least one vertical post (70) and the treadmilldeck (60). The extension portion (110) permits the at least one verticalpost (70) to extend, sliding the extension portion (110) out from underand within the treadmill deck (60) of the present invention, as seen inFIG. 3, adjusting the overall size of the frame of the treadmillassembly (20) of the present invention. It is envisioned that usersshould elongate the frame of the present invention when performingcertain exercises, or in the event that the user is tall.

The treadmill belt (10) of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is preferably made of a rubber composite material, capable ofproviding reliable and adequate traction for the user, while remainingflexible enough to traverse the treadmill rollers (30) andfriction-reduction rollers (35) easily, without building heat. As shown,there are preferably two treadmill rollers (30), one positioned at thefront of the treadmill deck (60) and one positioned at the rear of thetreadmill deck (60). The friction-reduction rollers (35) are alsopreferably equipped with a silicone or rubber composite material to helpthe friction-reduction rollers (35) to maintain a stable grip with thetreadmill belt (10), especially when high braking force is applied. Thefront and rear treadmill rollers (35) are weighted in order to have aflywheel effect while the belt is in motion.

Additionally, the friction-reduction rollers (35) make the treadmilldeck (60) stronger and more durable than a traditional treadmill deck,and are more cost effective than other low-friction roller bearingsystems, such as slat belt treadmills. The use of spacer plates (95)between each roller can also be used. This reduces the feeling of eachindividual roller and allows the deck to feel like a continuous surface.Resistance of the treadmill belt (10) may be increased or decreased byadjusting the treadmill rollers (30), applying a brake to the systemeither by limiting their rotational speed capacity with frictionsupplied by a variety of weighted wheels, via a resistance bandconfigured to slow the rotation of the treadmill rollers (30), magnetic,or via other conventional means. The brake may be a uni-directionalbrake, which is configured to only provide resistance when the user ispulling forward, and is configured to allow free movement when the userslides back down the treadmill deck (60) via the treadmill belt (10).This allows the belt to have an oscillating movement. One of suchbraking system is shown in FIG. 4, which displays a sprocket (15), achain (25), a gear box (55), at least one axle (65), and a weightedflywheel (75).

It should be understood, particularly, that the present invention can bemade with both a bi-directional brake and a uni-directional brake. Whilethe present invention is in the bi-directional brake setting thetreadmill belt (10) will have the same amount of resistance moving bothforward and backwards. This allows users to be able to perform forwardand backwards movement without the need to switch the hand frame fromthe front of the machine to the back of the machine. A uni-directionalbrake is configured to only provide resistance when the user is movingforward, and is configured to allow free movement when the user movesbackward down the treadmill deck (60) via the treadmill belt (10). Thisallows the treadmill belt (10) to be able to retract back to itsoriginal position. The treadmill belt (10) is able to retract back tothe original position of the treadmill belt (10) via gravity and bodyweight of the user when the front of the present invention isinclined—or via springs, cables, or other similar devices that causeforce when the treadmill is not inclined but level. Thus, the presentinvention allows the user to perform both concentric and eccentricmovements.

As such, it should be understood that the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention allows users to perform both eccentric and concentricmuscle contraction. Additionally, an electro-magnetic brake could beemployed to control the percentage of weight that is suspended oraugmented as the user slides forward and backward during exercise on thetreadmill belt (10). There are other means which allow for the treadmillbelt to oscillate, such as having mechanical or electrical mechanismsapply force to the belt, or employing rollers or shafts to reversedirection of the treadmill belt (10) However, the uni-directional brakeis preferred, as cost of the present invention is better managed. It isenvisioned that a bi-directional brake may be employed in lieu of theunidirectional brake in some embodiments of the present invention.

Unlike traditional treadmills or elliptical machines, the exercise sleddevice of the present invention may be equipped with a padded knee area(120) rather than a simple, commonly plastic mechanical covering tocover the motor. Additionally, the present invention is equipped with anemergency stop mechanism (130), and a treadmill deck frame (140). Thetreadmill deck frame (140) lines the exterior of the treadmill deck(60), and provides the user a place to stand while not standing on thetreadmill belt (10). The padded knee area (120) is preferably disposedat the front end of the treadmill (10), and provides the user with asafe location to rest their knees on for rest if needed. Additionally,the padded knee area (120) is in communication with the emergency stopmechanism (130), which is preferably activated when the padded knee area(120) is in use, or pressure is applied to the knee pad of the paddedknee area (120). The padded knee area (120) can also be used by theindividual as a seat or pad when performing certain resistance exercisesthat has the user in a seated or kneeling position.

Some embodiments of the present invention may be equipped with a batteryor user-powered on-board computer, configured to measure the distancetraversed on the treadmill (10), the elapsed time of the workout,potential calories burned by the user, and other conventionalmeasurements. It should be noted that all embodiments of the presentinvention are envisioned to be mechanically driven by the user,requiring no AC power for the complete exercise functionality of thepresent invention to be utilized; however, it is envisioned thatelectrical components could be used. It is also envisioned that adigital screen or computer could guide users through workout programs,and make all manual adjustments necessary i.e. the adjustments of thehand frame, incline, or resistance. The present invention preferablyemploys manually applied resistance methods, such as those reinforced byweight, spring tension, friction-based, or other similar methods, toprovide a variety of resistance levels to the treadmill belt (10) forthe user to employ during a workout.

It should be noted that all embodiments of the present invention areconfigured to be easily stored, and are configured to occupy minimalspace when stored. For example, the at least one vertical post (70) ispreferably removable, so as to facilitate folding of the device.Additionally, the hand rail (40) may also be removed, and in someembodiments, the hand rail (40) is configured to fold within thetreadmill deck (60).

Additionally, it should be understood that, during use, the presentinvention is preferably angled so that the incline of the treadmill deck(60) of the present invention causes gravity to provide resistanceduring the workout. However, the machine may be built at such an angle,or manufactured flat, depending on the intended functionality of thepresent invention. As such, the present invention preferably does notemploy any springs, providing smoother oscillating movement of the body(when configured for oscillation), more control over the resistance ofthe exercise, and ultimately a more comfortable workout.

Similarly, it should be understood that the treadmill belt (10) can beretracted back to its original position after use. For example, as anindividual uses straps via the at least one vertical post (70), to pullthemselves forward, the treadmill belt (10) will retract backwards tothe original position once the forward motion is stopped. This allowsfor users to execute eccentric and concentric muscle contractions thattraditional exercise sleds are unable to perform. It should beunderstood that the retraction of the treadmill belt (10) preferablyonly occurs during a selected setting. Settings of the present inventionmay be set manually or electronically.

Unless in retraction mode, in the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the treadmill belt (10) is configured to stop movementimmediately after the user stops engaging the treadmill belt (10). Mostconventional treadmills, with or without a motor, often take severalseconds for the belt to come to a complete stop. Having the beltimmediately cease movement after it is disengaged or requested is safetyfeature of the present invention, which helps to prevent injury. Theceasing of the treadmill belt (10) is preferably facilitated by thetreadmill rollers and resistance reduction rollers (35), which arepreferably weighted.

It should be understood that the resistance reduction rollers (35)currently employed by the present invention are preferably 1.9 inch indiameter, although it is envisioned that 2.5 inch diameter resistancereduction rollers (35) may need to be used for weight capacity purposes.Smaller rollers may reduce the feel of the resistance reduction rollers(35) below the feet of the user. Spacer plates between each roller maybe used in order for the user to not feel the rollers underneath them.The size of the font and rear treadmill rollers (30) are larger than theresistance reduction rollers (35) at 4 inches to add more surface areato transfer the braking force from the treadmill roller (30) to thetreadmill belt (10).

Additionally, the preferred method of resistance is via a magnetic ordirect friction brake, which is preferably housed within the gear box(55). Presently, the present invention is made with a hysteresismagnetic brake, which allows for smooth constant resistance across thetreadmill belt (10). Magnetic brakes have a very long lifetime. Thebrake is attached to a shaft or chain (25) that runs to the gear box(55) to increase braking force. The gear box (55) is preferably incommunication with the front roller (35). The brake can also be directlyconnected to the front roller (30), omitting the need for a gearing.Friction braking could be used to reduce the cost of manufacturing thepresent invention. It should be understood that the brake system of thepresent invention need not require the gear box (55) to function, asother braking methods may be employed. Additionally, some embodiments ofthe present invention may not include a braking system, but instead relyon the user to stop manually. During use, it should be understood thatthe present invention is preferably positioned at an incline or angle tofacilitate gravity-based retraction of the belt for each exerciserequiring oscillation of the treadmill belt (10).

There are two primary means by which the present invention may beconfigured to reverse. The first means is by placing a spring carriage,similar to one found in a Pilate's reformer, underneath the treadmillrollers (30) that slides back and forth. The springs of the springcarriage are attached to the rear of the treadmill deck (10) and thespring carriage are attached to a shaft in front of the treadmill,preferably by cables. When the treadmill belt (10) is moved forward, theshaft is rotated, which in turn brings the spring carriage forwardelongating the springs. When the treadmill belt (10) stops movingforward, the springs of the spring carriage reverse the direction of theshaft, thereby reversing the treadmill belt (10). This method allows forthe retraction of the treadmill belt (10) without the need to inclinethe treadmill deck (60).

A second method includes the use of a custom shaft coupling. One end ofthe shaft coupling is attached to the brake, and the other end isattached to the front roller or to a shaft that is connected to thefront roller. The end of the coupling that is attached to the frontroller or shaft is preferably made with bearings inside. The end that isattached to the brake is preferably fixed, meaning that when the shaftcoupling is traveling in one direction, it transfers the braking powerto the treadmill belt (10), and when it is traveling the other directionit is spinning freely inside the coupling due to the bearings. With noother mechanical pieces or force, the treadmill belt (10) can retractsimply by gravity. To use gravity, the front of the treadmill must be atan incline. The angle of the incline is important, as the greater theincline, the faster the treadmill belt (10) will retract back and viceversa, which form a type of variable resistance for a workout. In suchan embodiment, the hand frames are preferably placed both in the frontand the rear of the treadmill deck (60). Otherwise, a gear box isrequired which can be set in forward or reverse.

Additionally, it is envisioned that the functionality of the presentinvention may be incorporated into conventional or traditionaltreadmills that employs motors, and not only on manually poweredtreadmills.

Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood thatvarious adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturingaway from the essence of the present invention, including the use ofelectronics or a power source. Further, it should be understood that thepresent invention is not solely limited to the invention as described inthe embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodimentswithin the scope of this application.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thepresent invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the present invention and its practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe present invention and various embodiments with various modificationsas are suited to the particular use contemplated.

I claim:
 1. A stationary sled-style treadmill apparatus comprising: atreadmill assembly, a front treadmill roller; a rear treadmill roller;friction-reduction rollers; a treadmill belt, said treadmill beltconfigured to securely wrap around said front treadmill roller, saidrear treadmill roller, and said friction-reduction rollers to form atreadmill deck; wherein said treadmill belt, said treadmill deck, saidfront treadmill roller, said rear treadmill roller, and saidfriction-reduction rollers are housed within said treadmill assembly;wherein said friction-reduction rollers are disposed between said fronttreadmill roller and said rear treadmill roller; a hand bar; at leastone vertical post, said at least one vertical post supporting said handbar via a hand bar mount; wherein said treadmill deck has a first endand a second end; wherein said at least one vertical post is disposed atsaid first end of said treadmill deck; wherein said treadmill deck maybe angled at an incline to provide for gravity-based resistanceexercises; and wherein said friction-reduction rollers have a smallerdiameter than said front roller and said rear roller.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein said treadmill belt is made of a rubber compositematerial.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an extensionportion, said extension portion disposed at said first end of saidtreadmill deck, below said at least one vertical post; and wherein saidextension portion is configured to extend beyond the treadmill deck,extending the effective length of said treadmill assembly.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said front roller and said rear roller areidentical.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a brakesystem, said brake system having a uni-directional brake; wherein saidbrake system provides variable resistance to said treadmill belt;wherein said brake system provides consistent resistance across theentirety of said treadmill belt; wherein said uni-directional brake isconfigured to apply force only when said treadmill belt moves forward;and wherein said uni-directional brake is configured to release onlywhen said treadmill belt moves in reverse.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a brake system, said brake system having auni-directional brake; wherein said brake system provides variableresistance to said treadmill belt; wherein said brake system providesconsistent resistance across the entirety of said treadmill belt; andwherein said uni-directional brake is configured to apply force onlywhen said treadmill belt moves in reverse.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein said uni-directional brake is a hysteresis magnetic brake. 8.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: spacer plates, said spacerplates disposed between said friction-reduction rollers within saidtreadmill deck; and a padded knee area, said padded knee area disposedat said first end of said treadmill deck.
 9. The apparatus of claim 5,further comprising: a gear box; at least one axle, said at least oneaxle disposed within said front treadmill roller; at least one sprocket;a chain, said chain in communication with said gear box, said at leastone sprocket, and said at least one axle; wherein said gearbox isdisposed adjacent to said front treadmill roller; and wherein saidgearbox houses said hysteresis magnetic brake.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 2, further comprising: an extension portion, said extensionportion disposed at said first end of said treadmill deck, below said atleast one vertical post; and wherein said extension portion isconfigured to extend beyond the treadmill deck, extending the effectivelength of said treadmill assembly.
 11. The apparatus of claim 2, whereinsaid front roller and said rear roller are identical.
 12. The apparatusof claim 3, further comprising: a brake system, said brake system havinga uni-directional brake; wherein said brake system provides variableresistance to said treadmill belt; and wherein said brake systemprovides consistent resistance across the entirety of said treadmillbelt.
 13. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: spacer plates,said spacer plates disposed between said friction-reduction rollerswithin said treadmill deck; and a padded knee area, said padded kneearea disposed at said first end of said treadmill deck.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 3, further comprising: feet, said feet incommunication with a bottom of said treadmill deck; and wherein saidfeet are configured to extend to increase the incline of said treadmilldeck.
 15. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a brake system,said brake system having a bi-directional brake; wherein said brakesystem provides variable resistance to said treadmill belt; and whereinsaid brake system provides consistent resistance across the entirety ofsaid treadmill belt.
 16. A stationary sled-style treadmill apparatuscomprising: a treadmill assembly, a front treadmill roller; a reartreadmill roller; friction-reduction rollers; a treadmill belt, saidtreadmill belt configured to securely wrap around said front treadmillroller, said rear treadmill roller, and said friction-reduction rollersto form a treadmill deck; wherein said treadmill belt, said treadmilldeck, said front treadmill roller, said rear treadmill roller, and saidfriction-reduction rollers are housed within said treadmill assembly;wherein said friction-reduction rollers are disposed between said fronttreadmill roller and said rear treadmill roller; a hand bar; at leastone vertical post, said at least one vertical post supporting said handbar via a hand bar mount; wherein said treadmill deck has a first endand a second end; wherein said at least one vertical post is disposed atsaid first end of said treadmill deck; wherein said treadmill deck maybe angled at an incline to provide for gravity-based resistanceexercises; wherein said friction-reduction rollers have a smallerdiameter than said front roller and said rear roller; wherein saidtreadmill belt is made of a rubber composite material; an extensionportion, said extension portion disposed at said first end of saidtreadmill deck, below said at least one vertical post; wherein saidextension portion is configured to extend beyond the treadmill deck,extending the effective length of said treadmill assembly; wherein saidfront roller and said rear roller are identical; wherein said frontroller and said rear roller are weighted; a brake system, said brakesystem having a uni-directional brake; wherein said brake systemprovides variable resistance to said treadmill belt; wherein said brakesystem provides consistent resistance across the entirety of saidtreadmill belt; wherein said uni-directional brake is a hysteresismagnetic brake; wherein said uni-directional brake is configured toapply force only when said treadmill belt moves forward; spacer plates,said spacer plates disposed between said friction-reduction rollerswithin said treadmill deck; a padded knee area, said padded knee areadisposed at said first end of said treadmill deck; a gear box; an axle,said axle disposed within said front treadmill roller; a chain, saidchain in communication with said gear box and said axle; wherein saidgearbox houses said hysteresis magnetic brake; feet, said feet incommunication with a bottom of said treadmill deck; and wherein saidfeet are configured to extend to increase the incline of said treadmilldeck.
 17. A stationary sled-style treadmill apparatus comprising: atreadmill assembly, a front treadmill roller; a rear treadmill roller;friction-reduction rollers; a treadmill belt, said treadmill beltconfigured to securely wrap around said front treadmill roller, saidrear treadmill roller, and said friction-reduction rollers to form atreadmill deck; wherein said treadmill belt, said treadmill deck, saidfront treadmill roller, said rear treadmill roller, and saidfriction-reduction rollers are housed within said treadmill assembly;wherein said friction-reduction rollers are disposed between said fronttreadmill roller and said rear treadmill roller; a hand bar; at leastone vertical post, said at least one vertical post supporting said handbar via a hand bar mount; wherein said treadmill deck has a first endand a second end; wherein said at least one vertical post is disposed atsaid first end of said treadmill deck; wherein said treadmill deck maybe angled at an incline to provide for gravity-based resistanceexercises; wherein said friction-reduction rollers have a smallerdiameter than said front roller and said rear roller; wherein saidtreadmill belt is made of a rubber composite material; an extensionportion, said extension portion disposed at said first end of saidtreadmill deck, below said at least one vertical post; wherein saidextension portion is configured to extend beyond the treadmill deck,extending the effective length of said treadmill assembly; wherein saidfront roller and said rear roller are identical; wherein said frontroller and said rear roller are weighted; a brake system, said brakesystem having a bi-directional brake; wherein said brake system providesvariable resistance to said treadmill belt during both forward andreverse movement of said treadmill belt; wherein said brake systemprovides consistent resistance across the entirety of said treadmillbelt; wherein said bi-directional brake is a hysteresis magnetic brake;spacer plates, said spacer plates disposed between saidfriction-reduction rollers disposed within said treadmill deck; a paddedknee area, said padded knee area disposed at said first end of saidtreadmill deck; a gear box; an axle, said axle disposed within saidfront treadmill roller; a chain, said chain in communication with saidgear box and said axle; wherein said gearbox houses said hysteresismagnetic brake; feet, said feet in communication with a bottom of saidtreadmill deck; and wherein said feet are configured to extend toincrease the incline of said treadmill deck.
 18. The apparatus of claim16, wherein said treadmill belt is configured to oscillate during use.19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said front roller, said rearroller, said friction-reduction rollers, and said treadmill belt areconfigured to oscillate.